The Australian Government is providing $125.2 million over four years from 2010-11 for the Australian Business Number (ABN) Business Names Registration Project. As part of the Council of Australian Governments’ (COAG's) regulatory reform agenda, this initiative will develop a seamless online registration process for ABNs and business names, including trade mark searching. The system will also deliver online business information services and improve ongoing interactions between government and business.
Recent Activity
In April and May 2010 a series of forums in each capital city were organised to consult on the proposed national business name registration system.
The purpose of business name registration is to allow consumers to ascertain who is behind a business or trading name.
A public exposure draft of the Business Name Registration Bill and its related fees bill was released on 28 May for consultation.
Links to the documents are available here:
Parts of the main bill have not been included for public consultation as they relate to Commonwealth/State relations.
Comments are welcome and can be sent by 28 August 2010, to:
businessnamesconsultation@innovation.gov.au OR
General Manager
Business Registration and Licensing Branch
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
Canberra ACT 2601
Please check this page regularly as further information will be provided as it becomes available.
*Original reply date was 27 June - this has been extended to 28 August 2010